Review Article
Nanotechnology is at a turning point. Beyond its revolutionary technical potential, the field is also becoming the subject of increased concern with regard to the materials and energy that are used to create nanomaterials, as well as the materials and energy used in their use and disposal. With the race to Net Zero growing in pace, there is a parallel challenge for the nanotechnology community to maximise engineering outcomes with minimal environmental harm at the nanoscale. The review summarizes the existing knowledge on the upcoming strategy of the 'net-zero nanotechnology' along with three interconnected dimensions: (1) green materials and synthesis including (phyto- or microbial) biosynthesis, green solvents and bio-based nanomaterials; (2) sustainable nanomanufacturing, including the principles of green nanotechnology, atom effective process design and utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI)/ Machine Learning (ML) for nanomanufacturing; (3) nanotechnology circular economy, end-of-life recovery of nanomaterials (carbon, composites), recovering resources from e-waste and mining streams, and the EU's policies (Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) and Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA)). Environmental hotspots are mapped throughout the nanomaterial's lifecycle, and principles are outlined for taking nanomaterials into applications that are already demonstrating quantifiable performance gains in renewable energy, carbon capture, water treatment and sustainable farming. This review provides a single lens on common challenges encountered in the development of nanotechnology that have otherwise existed in separate worlds, such as green synthesis, sustainable production and circularity, with a research agenda to connect the dots of nanotechnology with global net-zero/ circularity goals
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